Tag: tuning business

The Flashtech CMD OBD tool is the perfect match for tuning VAG vehicles over the other common tuning tools such as the Alientech Kess V2.

Standard procedure for tuning later VAG ECUs such as EDC17 / MED17 has always been on the bench with an appropriate boot loader tool. While boot loading is a good method, as the full ECU can be backed up in case of a problem, this method involves risk and takes up time.

Boot loading would also be more suited to a workshop based outfit and not something that the lesser experienced mobile tuner would take on.

VAG OBD

Most OBD flash tools on the market can offer the flashing of these later ECUs but none can offer the same functionality of the CMD.

CMD vs KESS V2

CMD can identify all VAG controllers including DSG (on CAN) and READ 99% of the ECUs via the OBD port or download a VIRTUAL read from CMDs server in less than 30 seconds without any ECU intervention (Bench unlock).

KESS can identify these controllers but is unable to provide the user with a file. The user must either request an original file from Alientech or ask their tune provider for an original file to work with. If no original file available, the user must remove the ECU from the vehicle and carry out necessary bench work. This method takes time, involves risk to the vehicle removing anti-tamper bolts and also risk of ECU damage if care is not taken.

The CMD also has a few other features the Kess does not have.

100% BACK TO STOCK is now on both master and slave CMDs.

This button is available on the new VAG UDS protocols; it restores the ECU Back to 100% stock. The UDS protocols are VAG vehicles 2008+ starting with the B8 chassis. These are for ECUs that are unable to be read out via the OBD port but can be flashed OBD.

This function can literally save hours of time messing around with a previously tuned ECU that requires a rework.

NO DEALER VISIT FOR ODIS FLASH,

NO RETURNING TO THE ORIGINAL TUNER FOR ORIGINAL FILE,

NO SEARCHING DATABASES FOR AN ORIGINAL FILE,

FULL CORRECTION OF RSA AND ORIGINAL CHECKSUMS,

FULL ORIGINAL FLASH THE SAME AS ODIS,

CLEAN ORIGINAL FOR TUNER TO WORK WITH.

CMD MASTER users also benefit from being able to flash VAS software updates via OBD direct from VAS DVD.

Let’s take a look at the CMD OBD flash tool. The tool at first glance is what would be classed as an all in one tool. Apart from being solely an OBD flash tool it can also be upgraded to support a number of boot loader protocols. On this occasion we will be just looking at the OBD part.

So, to make it simple lets break it down in to different parts, let’s first look at the GUI and software.
The first thing you will notice with CMD is that the tool is secure, in the fact that the software and the tool have a security protocol. The tool must go online and handshake the CMD server at set points in time. This ensures total tool security against cloning and also from theft.

After pairing the tool to the PC we can now start the software and have a look at the layout and protocols offered. From the first glance the software looks very basic in terms of a fancy GUI, as unlike its competitor all the vehicles are not laid out with make, model, engine size, output etc. The CMD is a tool for people who are already at an advanced stage of chip tuning, where they don’t need a babysitter and should already know the differences between vehicle models and ECU specs.

The CMD has another major feature under its belt, a VIRTUAL READ function. This feature lets you download original files from CMD’s online server 24hrs a day for ECU’s that cannot be ready by OBD alone. This includes boot loader only reads such as ME7, ME9, MEDC17, Simos, Visteon DCU102 and the once popular EDC16 Opel ECU. This was a major breakthrough for Opel vehicles, where tuning, EGR and DPF modification could only be done by BDM method. The CMD can virtual read the full BDM file then write the full modified file back through the OBD port, thus saving time and removal of the ECU.

Read speeds with the CMD are undoubtedly the fastest out of any of the tools. Virtual reads are circa 30 seconds; with OBD reads with vehicles on CAN usually range from 2 minutes to 20 minutes. This is a major positive for busy shops or mobile users.

Flashtec are also at the forefront of new protocols and read/write techniques. They release a steady stream of very usable updates, usually first out of the tool manufacturers, which work first time.

The tool has industry standard features such as a battery real time monitor, a recovery function in case of interrupted flashing, DTC clearing function, automatic checksum correction for all protocols, Automatic resistor switch-KLine 470 ohm pull-up resistor for VAG EDC16.

Overall the CMD is a very stable tool, Very reliable and gives you piece of mind when you press read or write button that the tool will perform.

As with everything, one tool cannot be good at everything. The only downsides that can possibly be found to the tool are that of the older / unpopular protocols i.e. older ford/jaguar vehicles and some Japanese petrol vehicles, but on the flip side it can flash all the newer models.

Also with the CMD the online protocol / virtual read functions can be problematic / slow / not work if you are not in a wifi or 3g/4g data area.

Unlike its competitor, the CMD does not come with the free ST boot-loader function but in comparison it is not really required as the virtual read will give you the required file. The boot-loader is only required to read out already modified files.

Summary

I would score the CMD a 9/10.

Positives would be unrivalled read and write speeds, the virtual read function, its security and also the upgradability of the tool – so a 2nd tool does not have to be purchased.

Negatives would be that a few of the older vehicle protocols are not covered and the tool can sometimes be a problem without an internet connection.

Chip tuning / ECU remapping through the last year or two has started to take a turn. The traditional master / slave tooling business model used by current car tuning companies is slowly being phased out for a number of reasons. Main reason businesses are realising that if they invest a little more money for a master tool, then they will have more options in terms of the chip tool, tuning file suppliers and at the end of the day, the result will be a free and clear asset to your business. Some franchise operators can be very unclear about this, it is becoming more common to see unhappy clients looking to use another tuning file supplier only to find they didn’t know that ‘their?’ equipment is slave and the limitations of options moving forward as the 2-3 k they invested has been little more than a rental for a year, where for truth and just few pounds/euros/dollars more all could have been so different.

There are many different tool manufactures on the market now, all competing by price and range of protocols they support. Other factors include the number of Chinese/EU cloned tools on the market, which try to emulate the real equivalent, however these will always let you down at some point. Depending on your vehicle niche, for your European vehicles, we always recommend a CMD OBD master tool, as it handles the largest range of current protocols and won’t get you into trouble on a late Sunday afternoon in the rain. Very reliable piece of kit that every experienced pro has!

With more and more people going to master tools and cutting out the dependency of being tied into a franchise rather now natural market forces and quality of service will start to win over, the future the industry is screaming for. The reality is most of the largest names in chip tuning operating such franchise models would never survive in a normal open market place. We at PrecisionCodeWorks are here to serve you ‘built on command’ tuning files at any time of day almost instantly – Other claim to do this, but as usual in chip tuning many talk the talk very few walk. Owning a master tool gives you the option to use any file tuning supplier. More options, will raise quality and bring the price of chip tuning files down!

Now you might wonder, why would we (PrecisionCodeWorks) want to endorse this, when we can make money as a business using the “old” business model of master / slave tooling. Our automated tuning server can tune and serve tuning files 24 hrs a day 7 days a week for 365 days a year. Our business model ‘is to tell it as it is’ and provide the best, fastest tuning files all over the world. We don’t need to tie our customers into contracts or use the master / slave tooling model, we have the whole world to sell to. This is great for you the chip tuner, you own your master tool, choose who you want to provide you with chip tuning files (hopefully us) and we can supply not only competing with price, but tuning file accuracy and speed.